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Form and function of the spermatophore in Culicoides melleus (Coq.) (Dipt., Ceratopogonidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

J. R. Linley  and
G. M. Adams
J. R. Linley
Affiliation:
Florida State Division of Health, Entomological Research Center, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, U.S.A.
G. M. Adams
Affiliation:
Florida State Division of Health, Entomological Research Center, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, U.S.A.
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Extract

Sperm-transfer in Culicoides melleus (Coq.) is achieved by means of an intermediary spermatophore. The form of the spermatophore, only the second to be observed in a species of Culicoides, is described and illustrated. Though generally similar to others reported in Diptera, the spermatophore of C. melleus is distinguished by the presence of a long neck attached to the main capsule. Formation of the spermatophore occurs after sexual union has been achieved, and throughout mating the capsule remains held in the male apparatus. The distinguishing functional feature is that the entire length of the neck lies within the common duct of the spermathecae. The presence of an appendage of the spermatophore inside the spermathecal duct is a hitherto unknown phenomenon in Nematocera.

Type
Research Article
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 60 , Issue 3 , February 1971 , pp. 427 - 430
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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